Aptamer-based graphene nanosensor for monitoring biomolecular interactions

Unmet Need: Sensitive, stable, and accurate detection and characterization method for biomolecular analyte

Current methods for detecting and monitoring biomolecules in a bodily fluid, such as assessing drug-target interactions or glucose levels, use indirect methods to monitor binding events or require difficult labeling techniques and complex instrumentation. As such, there is a need for a technology that directly characterizes biomolecular interactions over a wide range of sample conditions without losing specificity and sensitivity.

The Technology: Adaptable nanosensor for time-resolved detection and monitoring of biomolecular analyte

This aptamer-based graphene nanosensor identifies biomolecular interactions using a microfluidic field-effect transistor (FET). The FET is functionalized with analyte-specific aptamers that operate under varying ionic strength and temperature. Upon selective analyte enrichment and aptamer binding, the conductance of the graphene nanosensor changes and delivers an accurate and real-time electrical readout of the analyte activity. This technology enables direct, label-free characterization of complex biomolecular interactions.

This technology demonstrated the ability to quantitatively monitor insulin levels using IGA3 aptamer and has been used to evaluate the effect of sodium ions, magnesium ions, and variable temperatures on the binding kinetics of immunoglobin E with aptamer D17.4.

Applications:

Characterization of drug-target interactions in drug discovery and mechanistic studies
Integration into lab-on-a-chip platforms
Dosing predictions for aptamer-based therapeutics
Continuous real-time detection of glucose-stimulated insulin release

Advantages:

Label-free study of biomolecular interactions
Direct method of studying binding properties
Adaptable for range of temperature, pH, and ionic analyte conditions
One-step electrical readout delivers highly accurate binding signal
Noninvasive biomolecular monitoring system with stability
Sensitive detection of low-charged small molecules

Lead Inventor:

Qiao Lin, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Status

Related Publications:

Hao Z, Zhu Y, Wang X, Rotti PG, DiMarco C, Tyler SR, Zhao X, Engelhardt JF, Hone J, Lin Q. “Real-time monitoring of insulin using a graphene field-effect transistor aptameric nanosensor” ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2017 Aug 3; 9(33): 27504-27511.

Tech Ventures Reference:

IR CU15154, CU17296
Licensing Contact: Dovina Qu